Thanks for your reviews, i really hope you're enjoying reading this story as much as i enjoy writing it! i also hope i am developing the characters well! Please note, i'm sorry about the last chapter, i know it was a bit boring. Anyway, enjoy part 9!
disclaimer : Nope, i don't own any of the characters from lord of the rings, but i wouldn't have a problem owning Orlando, or Elijah, or Billy Boyd come to think on it, since he's from scotland, like me! go scotland!
Prince Ruyston stopped, trying to get his breath back. He had lost most of his arrows in the darkness of the caves, but he had no desire to go back in. He trudged onward, hoping to come to the light soon, for this darkness was hurting him, on both the inside and out. He turned a corner, his sword unsheathed and ready for battle before him. He was hit by the erruption of a bright white light, signalling the end of the darkness. He sighed in relief, and began to walk on again, heading swiftly for the end of the tunnel. As he reached the end of the task, he heard a cry from across the way. He turned, and glanced around the cavern, his elven eyes trying to get used to the light once more. Then, he saw it - the exit. He began to run swiftly onward, forgetting about everything, he just wanted to escape the dreadful darkness of the cave. Then he heard the cry again. He swung round once more, anxious to see what was making the noise.
"Arwen!", he cried, seeing the beautiful elf maiden stranded on the tiny ledge of rock in the middle of the cave, the flames burning brightly around her.
"Help me Prince Ruyston!", she cried in fear, waving her arms to increase his urge to help the poor maiden.
Prince Ruyston glanced anxiously around, and he could not stop the bright light of the exit glimmering in his face. He stared hesitantly back at Arwen once more.
Suddenly, a fireball flew from the flames surrounding Arwen, and landed at the Prince's feet. It ignited straight away, setting fire to the bottom of Ruyston's tunic. He yelped as he put the flame out with his hands.
"Please Prince!", Arwen called pitifully,"Please help me!"
Fragments of rock came crashing down from the ceiling, and landed all around the Prince from the Grey Havens. He ran away, terrfied of the horros of the cave.
"Come back!", Arwen pleaded,"Come back!"
But although Prince Ruyston heard her, he ignored her and ran blindly through the exit of the cavern, leaving Arwen stranded on the legde, flames dancing all around her.
Legolas squirmed under his uncle's heavy body, struggling not to breath in the scent of him.
Suddenly, the cavern errupted with the voice of Elrond.
"Tis time for you Legolas Greenleaf, enter the cavern, and do as you are asked."
Thandiul released his nephew immediatly, terrfied that Elrond was nearby, but, in truth, Elrond was at the other end of the cave set, awaiting the competitors when they had finished their task.
Legolas took his chance, and scrambled up, and out of the site of his uncle. He ran headfirst into the cave, pausing only to draw his long white knife, for he did not want to waste his arrows.
Straight away, he heard a noise, his elven ears picking up on a quiet sound in the distance. He raised his knife in the air, ready to battle. But, then something strange happened - the noise disapearred.
Legolas kept his knife raised, it's brightness shining wide in the darkened cave. It started again, this time echoing round the walls. The faint noises of before grew clearer, a loud hungry hissing taking it's place.
"It's a snake!", Legolas cried, shuddering from head to toe, for although he was afraid of nothing, he did not care for snakes, just as he cared nought for darkness.
The noise came closer, the vile hissing blaring from the walls. Legolas trembled, but kept his grip on the knife.
In the blinding darkness, the blood red eyes of the poinousness serpant bore into the pure eyes of Legolas. It sprung upon him, it's sharp teeth bared, ready to attack. Legolas sensed the snake's movement, and dodged out of the way. With a crack, the snake hit the wall, but it was not to be discouraged. It turned on Legolas once more, baring it's fangs at the Mirkwood elf.
Legolas held his breath, and charged toward the creature, his knife raised high above his head. There was a screaching noise as Legolas dug his weapon into the snake's tough skin, struggling to hold the knife as it spilt the snakes scales apart.
In the darkness, the blood red eyes dimmed, as the snakes life vanquished before Legolas's eyes, the elf watching in horror as he saw the creature he had just attack slowly dying.
The eyes lit up once more as the snake tried a last effort to injure the brave elf, but his attempts failed. There was darkness in the cavern once more as the serpant layed it's head on the floor and dyed, beaten by the long knife of the Prince of Mirkwood.
Legolas gave a long sigh of relief. He continued on the trail, pausing quickly to wipe the blood of the snake from his face.
Slowly, the temperature started to rise. Legolas wiped his hand over his brow, in a disillusioned attempt to cool himself. He took off his over tunic, it was just too hot for such a garment.
Seconds later, Legolas found himself at the corner that Prince Ruyston had stood on some hours before. Breathing hard, he turned the bend, and at once the chamber was flooded in white light. Then, he saw it. Legolas rejoyced inwardly as he hurried toward the exit. But then, a faint sound reached his ears, growing louder and louder as he approached the exit of the caverns.
"Who is there?", he called anxiously, glancing around for any reflections that may be shimmering.
"Legolas?", Arwen's distraught voice returned,"Legolas? Is that you? Please Legolas! Help me!"
Forgetting his fears, Legolas followed the hollow calls of Arwen, desperate to get to her.
He rounded the final corner, and he saw it. The flames danced in his eyes, even though he was considerably far from them. His heart thumped heavily in his chest, for he could see that Arwen was surrounded by the fire.
"Please Legolas", Arwen called frantically,"Do something!"
Legolas glanced quickly around the cavern, but shook his head in dispare, for there was nothing he could use to build a bridge to reach Arwen.
"There is nothing i can do Arwen!", he replied,"Let me fetch Elrond!"
"No!", Arwen replied, the flames licking closer to her body,"There is not the time, you must do something or we both shall perish!"
Legolas knew the elf maiden was correct, but he was at a loss of what to do. He thought as best he could, trenching his mind for ideas, but none would come.
"No!!!!", Arwen cried, the rock crumbling beneath her feet. She began to drop from the narrow podium, to the fires down below, her hair flying around her terror stricken face.
"You can't!", belowed Legolas, and before he knew what he had done, he had lept across the ford, grabbing Arwen by the wrist to stop her falling.
Arwen hung limply from Legolas's hand, smiling at him. "Thank you Legolas", she whispered.
"Do not thank me yet Arwen", Legolas warned, as the tiny ledge that Legolas gripped began to crumble under his hands,"We are not safe- we are far from it."
"I think not", a loud voice sounded from above Legolas's head.
Elrond Half-Elven offered his hand to Legolas, a smile upon his worn face.
"You are safe now Legolas", he said to the Mirkwood elf as he pulled him and his daughter from the pit.
"But.......", Legolas stammered, completely at a loss to what had happened,"But how did you know where i was Elrond. Why did you save me?"
Elrond could only smile as he clapped Legolas on the back. "You are Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil, the king of Mirkwood, a man who a respect most utterly. You are an elf of the highest stature, an elf who should displace courage, thought, and kindness. You risked your own life to save that of my daughter, Arwen Evenstar. You past the test Legolas, you make the final cut, and it shall be to my daughter to decide which suitor pleases her the most. Go to your chamber Legolas Greenleaf, and await my call, for if your uncle does not past the test, then you shall be proclaimed winner of the tournament."
Legolas's eyes shone with respect for the elf. Elrond might be a little hasty, but he knew exactly what went on in the minds of his subjects. Legolas retreated to his chambers, not daring to prodict the outcome of his uncle's test.
Several hours later, there was a swift knock on the bedroom door of Legolas. It was Elrond.
"I have come to inform you that your uncle too has passed the test Legolas. I see courage runs in the family. I have played my part in this process now, it is my daughters decision which of the two suitors shall fit her requirements. Arwen shall announce her decision tomorrow night, on Mid Summer's Eve. Make sure you are in the banquet hall on time."
Elrond left the chamber door, seeming older than ever.
Legolas turned and sank onto his bed, his kness covered in the soft quilt. "It's up to Arwen now", he whispered, hoping that she would chose him.
Thranduil strode gracefully down the corridor, heading for his son's bedroom. He wanted to congratulate Legolas on his splendid performance in the tournament, for indded his son had brought praise and luck to the family once more.
As he embarked down the corridor, Legolas's father noticed that his brother's room door was ajar. He crept over to the bedroom, wondering if his brother was alright.
"How dispicable!", he heard of voice breath inside.
Thranduil froze, all movements ceasing as he heard his brother start to talk.
"Well", Thandiul began,"I suppose it is a marvellous plan. There aren't many elves left in society today who would have the bravery, or indeed the skills to perform what i have to this day. By killing Aragorn, i proved that he was not invincible."
Outside the door, Thranduil did not dare to breath, for the slightest movement would give away his presence.
"And what of your nephew?", the elf servant's voice once more reached Thranduil's ears clearly."What was his part in all this?"
"Ah yes", Thandiul smiled, his icy lips warming at even the mention of his nephews name."Legolas. He was essential to my plan. I needed him to remain in the tournament until the last round, where Arwen would make her choice. I dispossed of Drastyn most easily in the woods, i fired my arrow, and embeded it in his chest, as if he had been attacked by the amoured bull that attacked Legolas. Stupid elf, he almost got himself killed. I thought that after the first round that Legolas might think a little before starting his tasks, but, being the son of my idiotic brother, he did not. Once again, i had to help him by distroying the riddle of Sir Jiyuer and replacing it with a completely unsolvable one. Luckily i did not have to do anything this night, for Legolas's bravery won him through in that cave. I knew Prince Ruyston would fail the final test, for he is not of stout heart."
"Do not mind my asking master", the servant bowed,"But why did you have to....to.....to.....Legolas? If you know of what i speak."
Thandiul cackled, an evil smile once more blessing his lips. "I do indeed know of what you speak. I had to rape my nephew for three main reasons. The first being that i knew his sheer hatred of me was probably the only thing that would make him face his love for Arwen, and continue with the tournament. The second reason....well, it shall come into place very soon.....tomorrow night in fact. Lastly...for my own enjoyment. There is nothing i like better than to see my family squirm, and i shall live quite happily for the rest of my days knowing the mental torture and torment that i have brought on my nephew shall scar him for life."
Thandiul's servant looked on at his master in awe, in disbelief that he could do something so wrong.
Thandiul turned round, and began to walk slowly toward the door, pacing one foot after another, coming agonisingly close to where Thranduil was hidden.
Then, he stopped.
Outside, Thranduil breathed easily again, thanking the havens that he had not been noticed.
Suddenly, something grasped his hair, and pulled him forcefully into the chamber.
"Have you heard enough brother?", Thandiul hissed into Thranduil's ear. He spat on his brother, pulling his hair sharpely."Do you wish to know more?"
Painfull tears sprang to Thranduil's eyes, but he ignored them, continuing to focus his attention on his brother.
"How could you do it Thandiul?", he whispered,as his brother slapped him across the face."I know now why Legolas acted strangely that night that Aragorn disapearred. How could you do that to your nephew........to my son...........?"
"Easily brother", Thandiul snarled,"Easily. You betray yourself brother by listening at the door, for now i shall have to silence you until tomorrow night at least."
"What do you mean?", the king of Mirkwood said in horror, dispairing at the look in his brother's eyes.
Thandiul brought out a length of rope, and a blood sodden silken handkerchief, the lust for the kill burning brightly withing his eyes."I cannot have you spreading my deeds throughout Rivendell can i? No, of course not, that would ruin my plans." He tighttened the bonds around his brother's wrists, causing him to squeal in pain.
"Why............", Thranduil's voice trailed off as Thandiul tied the silken gag around his mouth.
"It is my destiny", Thandiul replied nastily, before kicking his brother in the head and dragging him to a nearby closet."I will rule."
Thranduil's head rolled, the king unable to reply through unconciousness.
"I will have my ultimate revenge on you brother", Thandiul whispered into the empty chamber, his dull voice echoing throughout the room,"For years you have hounded me, you have been well respected while i have been ignored. Your son is the object of affections from even those afar - well, no more!"
Thandiul began to plan his garments for what would be the most explosive stage in his plan. Midsummer Eve.
What did you think? I really hope you liked it, because i had loads of fun writing this chapter! part 10 coming soon!
disclaimer : Nope, i don't own any of the characters from lord of the rings, but i wouldn't have a problem owning Orlando, or Elijah, or Billy Boyd come to think on it, since he's from scotland, like me! go scotland!
Prince Ruyston stopped, trying to get his breath back. He had lost most of his arrows in the darkness of the caves, but he had no desire to go back in. He trudged onward, hoping to come to the light soon, for this darkness was hurting him, on both the inside and out. He turned a corner, his sword unsheathed and ready for battle before him. He was hit by the erruption of a bright white light, signalling the end of the darkness. He sighed in relief, and began to walk on again, heading swiftly for the end of the tunnel. As he reached the end of the task, he heard a cry from across the way. He turned, and glanced around the cavern, his elven eyes trying to get used to the light once more. Then, he saw it - the exit. He began to run swiftly onward, forgetting about everything, he just wanted to escape the dreadful darkness of the cave. Then he heard the cry again. He swung round once more, anxious to see what was making the noise.
"Arwen!", he cried, seeing the beautiful elf maiden stranded on the tiny ledge of rock in the middle of the cave, the flames burning brightly around her.
"Help me Prince Ruyston!", she cried in fear, waving her arms to increase his urge to help the poor maiden.
Prince Ruyston glanced anxiously around, and he could not stop the bright light of the exit glimmering in his face. He stared hesitantly back at Arwen once more.
Suddenly, a fireball flew from the flames surrounding Arwen, and landed at the Prince's feet. It ignited straight away, setting fire to the bottom of Ruyston's tunic. He yelped as he put the flame out with his hands.
"Please Prince!", Arwen called pitifully,"Please help me!"
Fragments of rock came crashing down from the ceiling, and landed all around the Prince from the Grey Havens. He ran away, terrfied of the horros of the cave.
"Come back!", Arwen pleaded,"Come back!"
But although Prince Ruyston heard her, he ignored her and ran blindly through the exit of the cavern, leaving Arwen stranded on the legde, flames dancing all around her.
Legolas squirmed under his uncle's heavy body, struggling not to breath in the scent of him.
Suddenly, the cavern errupted with the voice of Elrond.
"Tis time for you Legolas Greenleaf, enter the cavern, and do as you are asked."
Thandiul released his nephew immediatly, terrfied that Elrond was nearby, but, in truth, Elrond was at the other end of the cave set, awaiting the competitors when they had finished their task.
Legolas took his chance, and scrambled up, and out of the site of his uncle. He ran headfirst into the cave, pausing only to draw his long white knife, for he did not want to waste his arrows.
Straight away, he heard a noise, his elven ears picking up on a quiet sound in the distance. He raised his knife in the air, ready to battle. But, then something strange happened - the noise disapearred.
Legolas kept his knife raised, it's brightness shining wide in the darkened cave. It started again, this time echoing round the walls. The faint noises of before grew clearer, a loud hungry hissing taking it's place.
"It's a snake!", Legolas cried, shuddering from head to toe, for although he was afraid of nothing, he did not care for snakes, just as he cared nought for darkness.
The noise came closer, the vile hissing blaring from the walls. Legolas trembled, but kept his grip on the knife.
In the blinding darkness, the blood red eyes of the poinousness serpant bore into the pure eyes of Legolas. It sprung upon him, it's sharp teeth bared, ready to attack. Legolas sensed the snake's movement, and dodged out of the way. With a crack, the snake hit the wall, but it was not to be discouraged. It turned on Legolas once more, baring it's fangs at the Mirkwood elf.
Legolas held his breath, and charged toward the creature, his knife raised high above his head. There was a screaching noise as Legolas dug his weapon into the snake's tough skin, struggling to hold the knife as it spilt the snakes scales apart.
In the darkness, the blood red eyes dimmed, as the snakes life vanquished before Legolas's eyes, the elf watching in horror as he saw the creature he had just attack slowly dying.
The eyes lit up once more as the snake tried a last effort to injure the brave elf, but his attempts failed. There was darkness in the cavern once more as the serpant layed it's head on the floor and dyed, beaten by the long knife of the Prince of Mirkwood.
Legolas gave a long sigh of relief. He continued on the trail, pausing quickly to wipe the blood of the snake from his face.
Slowly, the temperature started to rise. Legolas wiped his hand over his brow, in a disillusioned attempt to cool himself. He took off his over tunic, it was just too hot for such a garment.
Seconds later, Legolas found himself at the corner that Prince Ruyston had stood on some hours before. Breathing hard, he turned the bend, and at once the chamber was flooded in white light. Then, he saw it. Legolas rejoyced inwardly as he hurried toward the exit. But then, a faint sound reached his ears, growing louder and louder as he approached the exit of the caverns.
"Who is there?", he called anxiously, glancing around for any reflections that may be shimmering.
"Legolas?", Arwen's distraught voice returned,"Legolas? Is that you? Please Legolas! Help me!"
Forgetting his fears, Legolas followed the hollow calls of Arwen, desperate to get to her.
He rounded the final corner, and he saw it. The flames danced in his eyes, even though he was considerably far from them. His heart thumped heavily in his chest, for he could see that Arwen was surrounded by the fire.
"Please Legolas", Arwen called frantically,"Do something!"
Legolas glanced quickly around the cavern, but shook his head in dispare, for there was nothing he could use to build a bridge to reach Arwen.
"There is nothing i can do Arwen!", he replied,"Let me fetch Elrond!"
"No!", Arwen replied, the flames licking closer to her body,"There is not the time, you must do something or we both shall perish!"
Legolas knew the elf maiden was correct, but he was at a loss of what to do. He thought as best he could, trenching his mind for ideas, but none would come.
"No!!!!", Arwen cried, the rock crumbling beneath her feet. She began to drop from the narrow podium, to the fires down below, her hair flying around her terror stricken face.
"You can't!", belowed Legolas, and before he knew what he had done, he had lept across the ford, grabbing Arwen by the wrist to stop her falling.
Arwen hung limply from Legolas's hand, smiling at him. "Thank you Legolas", she whispered.
"Do not thank me yet Arwen", Legolas warned, as the tiny ledge that Legolas gripped began to crumble under his hands,"We are not safe- we are far from it."
"I think not", a loud voice sounded from above Legolas's head.
Elrond Half-Elven offered his hand to Legolas, a smile upon his worn face.
"You are safe now Legolas", he said to the Mirkwood elf as he pulled him and his daughter from the pit.
"But.......", Legolas stammered, completely at a loss to what had happened,"But how did you know where i was Elrond. Why did you save me?"
Elrond could only smile as he clapped Legolas on the back. "You are Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil, the king of Mirkwood, a man who a respect most utterly. You are an elf of the highest stature, an elf who should displace courage, thought, and kindness. You risked your own life to save that of my daughter, Arwen Evenstar. You past the test Legolas, you make the final cut, and it shall be to my daughter to decide which suitor pleases her the most. Go to your chamber Legolas Greenleaf, and await my call, for if your uncle does not past the test, then you shall be proclaimed winner of the tournament."
Legolas's eyes shone with respect for the elf. Elrond might be a little hasty, but he knew exactly what went on in the minds of his subjects. Legolas retreated to his chambers, not daring to prodict the outcome of his uncle's test.
Several hours later, there was a swift knock on the bedroom door of Legolas. It was Elrond.
"I have come to inform you that your uncle too has passed the test Legolas. I see courage runs in the family. I have played my part in this process now, it is my daughters decision which of the two suitors shall fit her requirements. Arwen shall announce her decision tomorrow night, on Mid Summer's Eve. Make sure you are in the banquet hall on time."
Elrond left the chamber door, seeming older than ever.
Legolas turned and sank onto his bed, his kness covered in the soft quilt. "It's up to Arwen now", he whispered, hoping that she would chose him.
Thranduil strode gracefully down the corridor, heading for his son's bedroom. He wanted to congratulate Legolas on his splendid performance in the tournament, for indded his son had brought praise and luck to the family once more.
As he embarked down the corridor, Legolas's father noticed that his brother's room door was ajar. He crept over to the bedroom, wondering if his brother was alright.
"How dispicable!", he heard of voice breath inside.
Thranduil froze, all movements ceasing as he heard his brother start to talk.
"Well", Thandiul began,"I suppose it is a marvellous plan. There aren't many elves left in society today who would have the bravery, or indeed the skills to perform what i have to this day. By killing Aragorn, i proved that he was not invincible."
Outside the door, Thranduil did not dare to breath, for the slightest movement would give away his presence.
"And what of your nephew?", the elf servant's voice once more reached Thranduil's ears clearly."What was his part in all this?"
"Ah yes", Thandiul smiled, his icy lips warming at even the mention of his nephews name."Legolas. He was essential to my plan. I needed him to remain in the tournament until the last round, where Arwen would make her choice. I dispossed of Drastyn most easily in the woods, i fired my arrow, and embeded it in his chest, as if he had been attacked by the amoured bull that attacked Legolas. Stupid elf, he almost got himself killed. I thought that after the first round that Legolas might think a little before starting his tasks, but, being the son of my idiotic brother, he did not. Once again, i had to help him by distroying the riddle of Sir Jiyuer and replacing it with a completely unsolvable one. Luckily i did not have to do anything this night, for Legolas's bravery won him through in that cave. I knew Prince Ruyston would fail the final test, for he is not of stout heart."
"Do not mind my asking master", the servant bowed,"But why did you have to....to.....to.....Legolas? If you know of what i speak."
Thandiul cackled, an evil smile once more blessing his lips. "I do indeed know of what you speak. I had to rape my nephew for three main reasons. The first being that i knew his sheer hatred of me was probably the only thing that would make him face his love for Arwen, and continue with the tournament. The second reason....well, it shall come into place very soon.....tomorrow night in fact. Lastly...for my own enjoyment. There is nothing i like better than to see my family squirm, and i shall live quite happily for the rest of my days knowing the mental torture and torment that i have brought on my nephew shall scar him for life."
Thandiul's servant looked on at his master in awe, in disbelief that he could do something so wrong.
Thandiul turned round, and began to walk slowly toward the door, pacing one foot after another, coming agonisingly close to where Thranduil was hidden.
Then, he stopped.
Outside, Thranduil breathed easily again, thanking the havens that he had not been noticed.
Suddenly, something grasped his hair, and pulled him forcefully into the chamber.
"Have you heard enough brother?", Thandiul hissed into Thranduil's ear. He spat on his brother, pulling his hair sharpely."Do you wish to know more?"
Painfull tears sprang to Thranduil's eyes, but he ignored them, continuing to focus his attention on his brother.
"How could you do it Thandiul?", he whispered,as his brother slapped him across the face."I know now why Legolas acted strangely that night that Aragorn disapearred. How could you do that to your nephew........to my son...........?"
"Easily brother", Thandiul snarled,"Easily. You betray yourself brother by listening at the door, for now i shall have to silence you until tomorrow night at least."
"What do you mean?", the king of Mirkwood said in horror, dispairing at the look in his brother's eyes.
Thandiul brought out a length of rope, and a blood sodden silken handkerchief, the lust for the kill burning brightly withing his eyes."I cannot have you spreading my deeds throughout Rivendell can i? No, of course not, that would ruin my plans." He tighttened the bonds around his brother's wrists, causing him to squeal in pain.
"Why............", Thranduil's voice trailed off as Thandiul tied the silken gag around his mouth.
"It is my destiny", Thandiul replied nastily, before kicking his brother in the head and dragging him to a nearby closet."I will rule."
Thranduil's head rolled, the king unable to reply through unconciousness.
"I will have my ultimate revenge on you brother", Thandiul whispered into the empty chamber, his dull voice echoing throughout the room,"For years you have hounded me, you have been well respected while i have been ignored. Your son is the object of affections from even those afar - well, no more!"
Thandiul began to plan his garments for what would be the most explosive stage in his plan. Midsummer Eve.
What did you think? I really hope you liked it, because i had loads of fun writing this chapter! part 10 coming soon!